Frequently Asked Questions
About the Majestic Theater's Classic Raffles
* Why have the last 7 raffle winners been from Massachusetts?
We sell the majority of our raffle tickets at events we attend in Western, Mass (i.e., The Big E, Home Shows, Brimfield Fair, Malls, etc.). Our 2nd raffle winner was from Burnt Hills, NY. We would welcome a winner from another state, but it is simply the luck of a very fair drawing that determines who wins.
* Who benefits from the money raised by the raffle?
The Theater Project, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, that runs
the Majestic Theater in West Springfield, MA, uses the proceeds from
the raffle to pay for operating expenses and for producing live theater
at the Majestic. The Theater Project's mission is to provide actors, actresses and theater technicians from Western Mass, a professional environment in which to perform at the Majestic Theater.
* How is the money raised used?
For example, just in the past year, funds from our raffle helped pay for:
o Fire Sprinkler System - State of MA required
o Theater renovations - addition of 50 seats
o Creation of Majestic Children's Theater - Summer 2005
* Are these prizes donated?
NO! The Corvette and Harley-Davidson are NOT donated. Each year,
The Theater Project purchases the prizes for that year's raffle. The
Theater Project also pays for all of the following: transportation,
insurance, licensing, taxes, public appearances and marketing
expenses associated with the raffle.
* Do I have to be present at the drawing of the winning ticket?
No, although everyone is welcome to attend the drawing, which is open
to the public. The drawing is held each year at Midnight on New Year's
Eve at the Majestic Theater.
* How will I find out if I won?
As soon as the drawing is completed the staff of the Majestic Theater
calls the winners. The staff will continue to call the winners until contact
has been made! We post pictures of the winners, on our web site: www.majestictheater.com
* How many raffle tickets are sold?
At $10 per ticket we do not restrict the number of tickets sold. The
Classic Raffle is The Theater Project at the Majestic Theater's only
annual fundraiser. Selling tickets to performances at the Majestic can
only account for 65% of our needed revenue. The net raffle funds are essential to keeping the Majestic Theater functioning. * What about taxes?
The IRS considers raffle prizes to be income. The reason we draw the winning ticket at Midnight on New Year's Eve is for the winner's benefit.
The winner actually takes ownership of their prize the next day (which
is the following year) allowing him/her sixteen months to evaluate their
tax implications. |
